The match at the Toyota Stadium was a scrappy stop-start affair and provided few heights, however, it was the Cheetahs first game, while the Bulls 'second-stringers' got some valuable game time ahead of their departure to the UK on Monday for their first overseas trip of the season.

The debutant, Mzwanele Zito, scored his first try for the Cheetahs just three minutes into his debut for the team. The lead was short-lived as the Bulls prop, Jacques van Rooyen scored a converted try to take the score to 5-7 in favour of the visitors at half time.

Enver Brand scored for the Cheetahs in the 54th minute, but six minutes later the home team conceded a penalty try.

The hooker, Chucky van der Westhuizen, scored the match-winning try in the 70th minute, and the Cheetahs held on for the win despite sustained pressure by the Bulls.

The captain, Victor Sekekete, was named as the man of the match in his first game in charge of the team.

Earlier in the day, the Emerging Ireland team ran in eight tries to comprehensively beat the Griquas 54-7.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Mzwanele Zito, Enver Brandt, Chucky van der Westhuizen Conv. – Ruan Pienaar

Bulls: Tries – Jacques van Rooyen, Penalty try Conv. – Morné Steyn

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport